Scorching summer days — water parks are the hottest way to cool off

▲ During the sweltering summer, many water parks across Taiwan offer fun ways to cool off. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

Summer vacation is here. With scorching temperatures hitting record highs, many water parks across Taiwan have opened their gates for the public to cool off and enjoy the water, including Taipei’s Gongguan Water Supply Park, Nantou’s Shuili Water Play Festival, and Miaoli’s Civic Square. Now, there's a new addition in Keelung: the Nuannuan Water Park, which has already attracted many visitors since its opening to splash around and beat the heat.

Nuannuan Water Park opened its children’s play pool on the 8th, drawing many families looking to cool off. Grandparents brought their grandchildren, and summer camp groups came for some water fun. The park features a variety of water play amenities such as an artistic fountain, a kids’ splash pool, and a water interaction walkway. In addition to the water park, nearby attractions like Heping Island Park and Nuannuan Sports Park make it a great all-family destination. The park is open from now until August 31, with two time slots daily: 10:00–11:00 AM and 4:00–5:00 PM.

Splash around while enjoying a magic show

Taipei’s Gongguan Water Supply Park welcomed 300,000 visitors last summer, making it one of the city’s most popular spots to cool down. This year, the park has added more activities. In addition to its large water garden and family-friendly splash pool, weekend afternoons at the Water Museum feature street performers putting on joyful shows. Visitors can enjoy splashing, taking photos, and participating in family-friendly interactive games like magic, balloon art, and acrobatics.

Additionally, to thank the public for their support, visitors who purchase tickets at the water park and accumulate points through purchases at local shops can redeem an eco-friendly water art tote bag worth NT$400. During the summer, those who apply for the water utility’s e-billing service at the park not only get free entry for two people, but also receive two VIP passes to the Water Supply Park and water bill discounts.

▲ Nantou’s Shuili Water Play Festival kicks off on July 13. The photo shows the festival’s lively scene in 2012. (Photo / Courtesy of Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)

Snap a photo while playing in the water and enter to win prizes

The Shuili Water Play Festival is a flagship event for Shuili Township and one of Nantou County’s major annual events. This year, with upgraded facilities and improved surroundings, visitors can enjoy an even better water experience. Just “like” the official Facebook fan page and check in at the water park to receive shopping discounts, and you can also join the lucky draw.

Besides water fun, Shuili Township is also home to several famous attractions, such as the Snake Kiln Cultural Park, Checheng Forest Trail Commercial Area, and i-Rice Cultural & Creative Park. Visitors can explore these spots during the festival. Those who check in at designated partner shops during the event period will also receive additional perks.

▲ Can’t stay dry — Kids at Miaoli Civic Square say it feels like an amusement water park. (Photo / Courtesy of Miaoli City Government)

Miaoli Civic Square: A Mini “Water Amusement Park”

The Miaoli City Government has reopened the Civic Square fountain area, adding a “splash zone” after renovations. Equipped with fountains shaped like the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the area sprays water in cycles (every 30 minutes for 2 minutes) and provides seating for visitors to enjoy the water. Once you step into this zone, you’re guaranteed to get wet. The plaza fountains are open daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.